Joel Embiid revealed at media day that he lost between 25 to 30 pounds during the offseason, emphasizing his commitment to staying healthy and ready for the long grind of the NBA season.
Embiid, who played in just 39 games during the 2023-24 season, dealt with injuries that significantly impacted his availability. This marked a sharp contrast to his MVP-winning campaign in 2022-23, where he played 66 games and led the league in scoring.
However, throughout his playoff career, Embiid has battled various injuries, limiting his effectiveness and preventing him from being at his peak in the postseason. Last season, Embiid returned from a torn meniscus in time for the playoffs, but his health remained a concern.
“I still have a ways to go,” said Embiid about his offseason weight loss. “I still want to lose more, but it is a process. I think for me and Daryl [Morey] will tell you this as soon as we lost last year, I just texted him, ‘We have to do whatever it takes to make sure I get a full season in health.’ This year, there’s no agenda. There’s no All-Star. There’s no All-NBA. There’s none of that. It’s whatever it takes to make sure I get to that point where I’m ready to go.”
The Philadelphia 76ers won 54 games last season despite Embiid playing just 39 total games, largely thanks to the efforts of Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and a strong supporting cast. The team’s success, even without Embiid for much of the season, highlighted the depth and resilience of the roster.
However, the Sixers have upgraded further during the offseason, making a series of high-profile moves to bolster their championship aspirations. The acquisition of Paul George provides a legitimate star to pair with Embiid, giving the Sixers a formidable two-way threat.
Caleb Martin, coming off a breakout season with the Miami Heat, adds a versatile, athletic wing who can score and defend at a high level.
Meanwhile, the signing of veteran big man Andre Drummond gives the team a reliable backup center who can anchor the defense and provide rebounding in Embiid’s absence.
With these new additions and Embiid’s renewed focus on staying healthy for the full season, the Sixers are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Embiid’s mindset, shifting away from individual accolades and toward long-term health and postseason success, aligns with the team’s broader goals of securing a championship.
The hope is that a leaner, healthier Embiid, combined with a retooled roster, will give Philadelphia the firepower and durability it needs to make a deep playoff run.
Joel Embiid Lost 25+ Pounds In Offseason, Committed To Increasing Odds Of Health In Playoffs https://t.co/kzSLk3MIDd
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 30, 2024
